In recent news, we’ve probably all heard horror stories involving ICE agents as arrests ramp up throughout the U.S. From wrongfully detaining documented citizens to cuffing people right outside of courthouses, it’s a string of dodgy tactics and racism. Recently, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent arrested a man in Florida for filming an immigration arrest. (one of many we’re bound to see and hear about in upcoming months).
The video, posted by @gwenfilosamedia, shows a CBP agent arresting a Key West resident. Meanwhile, another observer of the arrest, Dan Mathers, had been recording. Mathers attempted to ask the victim questions, but the CBP agent quickly cut Mathers off, “Do not get closer. I will arrest you.” Mathers tells him he understands the law, then attempts, once again, to obtain information from the victim, such as his name or who he can call for help.
The CBP agent then walks around the bushes asking, “Did you just threaten me?” but Mathers explains, “I didn’t threaten you.” And he wasn’t. As citizens are permitted to do, Mathers was merely recording. The agent rounds the corner and heads toward Mathers, cuffing his hands behind his back. Mathers asks those around him, “Can somebody call the police, please?”
As the agent is escorting Mathers away, Mathers slides his phone out of his pocket and onto the ground, likely so that evidence of his arrest remains in the hands of his friends. The CBP agent reacts with total rage, violently guiding Mathers to his knees and then ordering him to get up. The interaction is mild compared to the outright violent ICE raids, but it doesn’t make it any less difficult to watch.
Commenters shared the sentiment that “Egghead is a piece of trash scumbag.” Another replied, “This is where we’re at. Rights? What rights?” Somebody else pointed out in the comments, “The U.S. voted away their own rights in favour of a pedophile dictator conman idiot.” That’s right on the nose.
It’s unclear what happened to the man being detained by the CBP agent, but Mathers has been released. As one commenter put it: “ICE must’ve realized there was nothing to charge him with since all he stated was, ‘I thought you were taller.'” Others suggested getting a good attorney, arguing the CBP agent made an unlawful arrest.
